Embodying the Work: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of Becoming Peer Support Workers

Abstract

Peer support interventions complement traditional rehabilitation services and contribute to improving physical and mental health and community living outcomes in diverse disability populations. Yet, little is known about the impact that being a peer support worker has on people with physical disabilities who take on these roles. Peer health navigators (PHN) are a type of peer support worker specifically trained to help other people with disabilities breakdown barriers to health, healthcare, and social participation. This qualitative study explored identity transformations experienced by people with physical disabilities after adopting a PHN role in a community-based participatory research intervention study. Specifically, we used interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore the lived experiences of peer health navigators from the Our Peers–Empowerment Navigational Support study. Participants identified that serving as a PHN had a transformative impact on their disability experience through relational processes of co-creation of a positive disability identity and reciprocal empowerment. Occupational therapy practitioners can facilitate peer support through intentional skill and community building.

Plain Language Summary

Embodying the Work: Interpretive phenomenological analysis of identity transformations among peer support workers

Peer support programs complement traditional rehabilitation services. In these programs, peer support workers use their own experiences to support others navigating similar challenges. Peer support programs improve physical and mental health outcomes and increase confidence and empowerment. Little is known about the impact that being a peer support worker has on those who do the work. This interview-based study with seven peer support workers aimed to understand how being a peer support provider impacted people with physical disabilities’ sense of self. We found that being a peer support provider improved people’s disability acceptance, identity, and pride. Peer support providers also grew more empowered as they helped to empower others. Occupational therapy practitioners can support peer support workers by helping them build skills and a sense of community by creating teams where disability is recognized as a strength. Peer support programming is best developed in partnership with people with disabilities.